I found this article pretty fascinating. I'm not sure why, but it caught my attention. It's an interview about a new TV advertising tool from the company Invindi. This all reminds me of the movie Minority Report, when all the advertising was based on an eye scan and was personalized to your tastes. Creepy, but kinda cool.
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Published by John Nelson
on March 30, 2005 at 9:21 AM.
Well I'm back from Mexico! I'm not going to say much about it here...I will probably create a separate blog (because that's the way I roll) dedicated to pictures and journaling about my trip. I'll be working on it over the next couple of weeks as I find the time.
In summary, though, the trip was incredible! The people there are amazing, and are amazingly in love with Jesus Christ. Their faith, dependance upon Jesus, and non-materialistic contentment blow my mind.
Man...it sure does feel good to type again! My fingers were getting itchy to touch a keyboard and mouse!
2 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on March 27, 2005 at 10:37 AM.
In summary, though, the trip was incredible! The people there are amazing, and are amazingly in love with Jesus Christ. Their faith, dependance upon Jesus, and non-materialistic contentment blow my mind.
Man...it sure does feel good to type again! My fingers were getting itchy to touch a keyboard and mouse!
I'm polishing off the last bit of packing for the Mission to Mexico trip with Fellowship Student Ministries! We leave at 3:30 this morning (Friday morning) and arrive in the Chihuahua, Mexico sometime later (I should really read the itinerary, especially since I'm a freaking leader).
I am quite possibly the WORST trip-packer of all time (at least, the worst that I've ever met). I get the suitcase jammed with all my clothes, first aid stuff, tools, and underwear (this is the part I usually forget to bring along). I double-check my packing list and missed about 15% of the things I needed to bring (like a belt, work gloves, and my Zyrtec.) So I had to find room for those (read: I pushed down REALLY hard to fit everything else in) in the suitcase.
We'll be helping local Christian (Protestant) church groups build churches and other projects while we're there. Kinda like Habitat for Humanity, but focusing on building places of worship. I'm a little nervous about living in the host family's house, mainly because I speak as much Spannish as mute folks sing opera (meaning nada...oh wait, maybe I know 1 word). If you've got some free space in your prayer journal / quiet time, I'd appreciate some prayer in communicating with my host family.
I'll be away from the blog for a week (an involuntary fast), which will be hard for me. And no computer, probably, which may be harder. My fingers get itchy to touch the keyboard/mouse. I guess a hammer and a band aid will have to do instead.
I'll give a follow-up when I get back. Hopefully, if I can find a cyber-cafe (are they still even called that?) down there, I'll give a mid-week update, too.
Any prayer is appreciated! I'm just excited to worship with other believers in Christ and get a better understanding of God's global church body.
3 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on March 17, 2005 at 10:11 PM.
I am quite possibly the WORST trip-packer of all time (at least, the worst that I've ever met). I get the suitcase jammed with all my clothes, first aid stuff, tools, and underwear (this is the part I usually forget to bring along). I double-check my packing list and missed about 15% of the things I needed to bring (like a belt, work gloves, and my Zyrtec.) So I had to find room for those (read: I pushed down REALLY hard to fit everything else in) in the suitcase.
We'll be helping local Christian (Protestant) church groups build churches and other projects while we're there. Kinda like Habitat for Humanity, but focusing on building places of worship. I'm a little nervous about living in the host family's house, mainly because I speak as much Spannish as mute folks sing opera (meaning nada...oh wait, maybe I know 1 word). If you've got some free space in your prayer journal / quiet time, I'd appreciate some prayer in communicating with my host family.
I'll be away from the blog for a week (an involuntary fast), which will be hard for me. And no computer, probably, which may be harder. My fingers get itchy to touch the keyboard/mouse. I guess a hammer and a band aid will have to do instead.
I'll give a follow-up when I get back. Hopefully, if I can find a cyber-cafe (are they still even called that?) down there, I'll give a mid-week update, too.
Any prayer is appreciated! I'm just excited to worship with other believers in Christ and get a better understanding of God's global church body.
We signed an offer tonight to sell our house! We put our For Sale By Owner sign up 10 days ago and had an open house last weekend and this weekend. We had about 20 people last weekend come by (we did it Sat & Sun afternoon). This weekend, we had about 4 of those 20 come by for a second look.
But the guy & gal buying it (hopefully, at least), stopped by this afternoon and loved it. The guy came back about 2 hours later to look again and talk numbers. He offered us a number, but we negotiated to a middle of the road agreement on price. He came back this evening and signed the contract! YEA!!!
Now comes the funny part (I, at least, find it humorous!). I asked this guy where he works. He said Unilever. I know a few people who work in that office, and he knew them too. He mentioned that he'd only been there for a few months. I asked him what position he had there and over what product group he was working on. He said he was a sales analyst for their Jiffy peanut butter (and some other products, too). I looked at him and said "The price just went up 10% on the house! He looked at me kind of strange, then I told him that I was the "other" guy he beat out for that position at Unilver! He laughed, and I told him I was kidding about the 10% increase. Funny, though...the guy that beat me out of a job is now buying my house!
Anyway, if you want to send expensive gifts my way for house-warming gifts, Allison and I are open for them...please include a gift receipt, in case the stuff you pick out is ugly. :)
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Published by John Nelson
on March 13, 2005 at 5:57 PM.
But the guy & gal buying it (hopefully, at least), stopped by this afternoon and loved it. The guy came back about 2 hours later to look again and talk numbers. He offered us a number, but we negotiated to a middle of the road agreement on price. He came back this evening and signed the contract! YEA!!!
Now comes the funny part (I, at least, find it humorous!). I asked this guy where he works. He said Unilever. I know a few people who work in that office, and he knew them too. He mentioned that he'd only been there for a few months. I asked him what position he had there and over what product group he was working on. He said he was a sales analyst for their Jiffy peanut butter (and some other products, too). I looked at him and said "The price just went up 10% on the house! He looked at me kind of strange, then I told him that I was the "other" guy he beat out for that position at Unilver! He laughed, and I told him I was kidding about the 10% increase. Funny, though...the guy that beat me out of a job is now buying my house!
Anyway, if you want to send expensive gifts my way for house-warming gifts, Allison and I are open for them...please include a gift receipt, in case the stuff you pick out is ugly. :)
As a parent, I've come to realize that God designed parenthood to give example of his experience and relationship with me. Isaiah 53:6 says that we all like sheep have turned away and gone our own way. I know sheep are dumb, and that's the picture most pastors will preach about our relationship with God. But I think we're more like children. Here's an example:
Tonight, Emma and I went to Lowe's to get some house stuff. I walked in carrying her in my arms. For a little bit, she's kind of scared and enjoys the safety of my closeness and embrace. But as she becomes more comfortable with her surroundings, she starts to squirm in my arms and tries to get down. I put her down and she stands there...just looking around. Then she looks up at me and reaches out her hand for me to hold while she walks around. She laughs, smiles, and we take off!
After walking hand in hand for a few steps, she lets go and kind of swats the air (in a "I don't need your help anymore" manner). She starts walking fast/running down the isle. Her legs are only 10-12 inches long, so it's pretty easy for me to catch up. She stops all of a sudden and looks at a big bucket of bolts...that just happen to be in arm's reach. She steps toward it slowly, never taking her eyes off the bolts. I notice her glance over (eyes only...no head movement) my direction to see what I was doing. Another step.
"Emma, don't touch those" I say gently.
Another step, and her arm goes toward them slowly.
"Emma, I asked you not to touch those. Please come here."
The hand moves slowly to the plastic container...and touches it. (this is similar to the touching of the boat ("butt") in 'Finding Nemo')
I step over quickly and pick her up, not even mad at her...just wanting her to obey and not hurt herself. She starts whining and squirming immediately, wanting to get down and touch the thing I asked her not to touch (anyone want to argue with the fact that we're born rebellious and sinful??). I speak quietly in her ear, trying to calm her down. After a few quite loud screams, she calms down and is content in my arms.
So, what does this have to do with sheep and childrend and Christianity? I'm the EXACT same way with Christ as Emma was with me tonight. I feel the protection and security in His arms when I'm in a new / unfamiliar situation. I depend on Him to help guide me through. But after a while, I get comfortable with my surroundings and think I can do it alone. He lets me down and I stand there, realizing my freedom, but also keenly aware of His closeness and protection. I reach up and want to walk with Him. Then I think I can go it alone, without holding His hand. He lets go and watches over me, though I think I'm going my own way. I see something along my path that catches my eye and stops me dead in my tracks...and I want to touch it. I know He is there, and I know He probably doesn't want me to touch the bolts, but I test Him to see if that's really what He wants.
I get closer, and I hear Him say, "please don't". I hesitate, then realize that I MUST touch the bolts. I get closer...I hear Him again. Then I touch the bolts. I am rebuked and He reminds me of my original goal (which did not include touching the bolts). I squirm and want to go back to my selfish desires. But He continues to hold me and whisper in my ear that He knows what is best, and that He doesn't want me to touch the bolts for my protection and safety. I finally calm down and realize He is right.
Thank you, God for letting me experience parenthood. You've shown me more about Yourself and how much you love me in these past 15 months than I could have imagined.
1 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on March 11, 2005 at 7:00 PM.
Tonight, Emma and I went to Lowe's to get some house stuff. I walked in carrying her in my arms. For a little bit, she's kind of scared and enjoys the safety of my closeness and embrace. But as she becomes more comfortable with her surroundings, she starts to squirm in my arms and tries to get down. I put her down and she stands there...just looking around. Then she looks up at me and reaches out her hand for me to hold while she walks around. She laughs, smiles, and we take off!
After walking hand in hand for a few steps, she lets go and kind of swats the air (in a "I don't need your help anymore" manner). She starts walking fast/running down the isle. Her legs are only 10-12 inches long, so it's pretty easy for me to catch up. She stops all of a sudden and looks at a big bucket of bolts...that just happen to be in arm's reach. She steps toward it slowly, never taking her eyes off the bolts. I notice her glance over (eyes only...no head movement) my direction to see what I was doing. Another step.
"Emma, don't touch those" I say gently.
Another step, and her arm goes toward them slowly.
"Emma, I asked you not to touch those. Please come here."
The hand moves slowly to the plastic container...and touches it. (this is similar to the touching of the boat ("butt") in 'Finding Nemo')
I step over quickly and pick her up, not even mad at her...just wanting her to obey and not hurt herself. She starts whining and squirming immediately, wanting to get down and touch the thing I asked her not to touch (anyone want to argue with the fact that we're born rebellious and sinful??). I speak quietly in her ear, trying to calm her down. After a few quite loud screams, she calms down and is content in my arms.
So, what does this have to do with sheep and childrend and Christianity? I'm the EXACT same way with Christ as Emma was with me tonight. I feel the protection and security in His arms when I'm in a new / unfamiliar situation. I depend on Him to help guide me through. But after a while, I get comfortable with my surroundings and think I can do it alone. He lets me down and I stand there, realizing my freedom, but also keenly aware of His closeness and protection. I reach up and want to walk with Him. Then I think I can go it alone, without holding His hand. He lets go and watches over me, though I think I'm going my own way. I see something along my path that catches my eye and stops me dead in my tracks...and I want to touch it. I know He is there, and I know He probably doesn't want me to touch the bolts, but I test Him to see if that's really what He wants.
I get closer, and I hear Him say, "please don't". I hesitate, then realize that I MUST touch the bolts. I get closer...I hear Him again. Then I touch the bolts. I am rebuked and He reminds me of my original goal (which did not include touching the bolts). I squirm and want to go back to my selfish desires. But He continues to hold me and whisper in my ear that He knows what is best, and that He doesn't want me to touch the bolts for my protection and safety. I finally calm down and realize He is right.
Thank you, God for letting me experience parenthood. You've shown me more about Yourself and how much you love me in these past 15 months than I could have imagined.
I think the word "puss" might be the most disgusting and vile word I have ever heard. It makes all my insides cringe when I hear it used. Here's what Dictionary.com defines it as:
pus
P Pronunciation Key (p
s)
n.
Yeah. That's just nasty.
2 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on March 10, 2005 at 5:48 AM.
pus
P Pronunciation Key (ps)n.
- A generally viscous, yellowish-white fluid formed in infected tissue, consisting of white blood cells, cellular debris, and necrotic tissue.
Yeah. That's just nasty.
It's no secret that Allison and I freaking LOVE American Idol. So throughout this season, you can count on my useless recaps and loyalties to the contestants.
At this point in time, I'm picking Anwar Robinson to win it all, though he has some serious competition in the guys group (like Bo Bice...big fan). But last night, Anwar sang "What a Wonderful World" and it was simply unbelievable! I had goosebumps all over my arms. This dude knocked out some seriously high notes with great vocal control and power. It was the first performance this season (and maybe over the past 2 seasons) that has really blown me away.
1 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on March 08, 2005 at 1:16 PM.
At this point in time, I'm picking Anwar Robinson to win it all, though he has some serious competition in the guys group (like Bo Bice...big fan). But last night, Anwar sang "What a Wonderful World" and it was simply unbelievable! I had goosebumps all over my arms. This dude knocked out some seriously high notes with great vocal control and power. It was the first performance this season (and maybe over the past 2 seasons) that has really blown me away.
We put our house on the market Thursday morning. Thursday night, I had to stay at work dealing with a broken server until 1:00 AM. (there's no respect in the IT world...we always work in the background).
Allison hadn't been feeling well all week. Thankfully, Emma was on the road to recuperation and was feeling pretty happy. While at work Thursday night, all I could think about was how much stuff we had to do at the house to get it ready for this weekend's Open House. Friday morning, Allison made a trip to the store and got some medicine...which made her feel TONS better. She called me in the afternoon to tell me she'd done a bunch of cleaning and organizing at the house. That took some stress off! So Friday night, we did some more organizing and tidying up. On Saturday morning, we maxed ourselves out deep cleaning the house. I cleaned all the windows and frames, dusted the blinds, washed the windows, and re-mulched the entire front flower beds. Allison cleaned the floors and the toilets. By the start of the open house at 1:00 PM, things were all shiny and pretty around the house.
We had several people drop by on Saturday, and several more this afternoon. I can't tell if anyone's going to "bite", but we've seen many fish. Time will tell.
However, Allison didn't sleep at all last night: she had a sinus and ear infection that kept her up.
I took Emma to church with me and put her in the nursery. Mickey Rapier gave the talk today at church, and I swear to you that I failed at choking back tears the entire 2nd half of the service!
He spoke about how Christ came to fulfill the Law and to make us new through His sacrifice. Mickey cut to a long clip from "The Passion of the Christ"...the part where Jesus is carrying the cross, Mary "the Mother of God" is anguishing and has the flashback to where he falls as a kid and she comforts him. After falling with the cross, He looks up to her and says "Behold, I make things new!". That's when I cried. Then, all the songs and last part of the message just kept it coming. I don't know what it is about that movie, but it makes me weep inevitably (kinda like songs in D minor...). I'm guessing it makes me cry because of that whole "this is the price my God paid for my behalf" thing.
Anyway, Allison went to the doctor's office (man, my healthcare provider sucks!) and waited in line for an hour (and then some) before she was seen. The doctor told her that it was a sinus and ear infection, and that the eardrum would probably burst. Which it did. Right as a knock came at the door. So, she went outside to call the doctor while I showed the house to a cute, young, engaged couple.
She came back in and said she actually felt better, that at least the pressure was gone, but still isn't feeling all that well. I'll be working from home tomorrow to help out with Emma and cater to Al's every need. After this weekend, I have acquired more respect for her (on top of the great respect I had for her before this weekend). She helped out a ton cleaning the house, and as I took care of Emma, I realized how draining (and rewarding) it is to be a full-time parent. Women amaze me, and Allison amazes me everyday with her strength. Way to go, Allison, and way to go all mommies out there. Your job is so important, and y'all are doing great jobs!
0 Comments
Published by John Nelson
on March 06, 2005 at 4:52 PM.
Allison hadn't been feeling well all week. Thankfully, Emma was on the road to recuperation and was feeling pretty happy. While at work Thursday night, all I could think about was how much stuff we had to do at the house to get it ready for this weekend's Open House. Friday morning, Allison made a trip to the store and got some medicine...which made her feel TONS better. She called me in the afternoon to tell me she'd done a bunch of cleaning and organizing at the house. That took some stress off! So Friday night, we did some more organizing and tidying up. On Saturday morning, we maxed ourselves out deep cleaning the house. I cleaned all the windows and frames, dusted the blinds, washed the windows, and re-mulched the entire front flower beds. Allison cleaned the floors and the toilets. By the start of the open house at 1:00 PM, things were all shiny and pretty around the house.
We had several people drop by on Saturday, and several more this afternoon. I can't tell if anyone's going to "bite", but we've seen many fish. Time will tell.
However, Allison didn't sleep at all last night: she had a sinus and ear infection that kept her up.
I took Emma to church with me and put her in the nursery. Mickey Rapier gave the talk today at church, and I swear to you that I failed at choking back tears the entire 2nd half of the service!
He spoke about how Christ came to fulfill the Law and to make us new through His sacrifice. Mickey cut to a long clip from "The Passion of the Christ"...the part where Jesus is carrying the cross, Mary "the Mother of God" is anguishing and has the flashback to where he falls as a kid and she comforts him. After falling with the cross, He looks up to her and says "Behold, I make things new!". That's when I cried. Then, all the songs and last part of the message just kept it coming. I don't know what it is about that movie, but it makes me weep inevitably (kinda like songs in D minor...). I'm guessing it makes me cry because of that whole "this is the price my God paid for my behalf" thing.
Anyway, Allison went to the doctor's office (man, my healthcare provider sucks!) and waited in line for an hour (and then some) before she was seen. The doctor told her that it was a sinus and ear infection, and that the eardrum would probably burst. Which it did. Right as a knock came at the door. So, she went outside to call the doctor while I showed the house to a cute, young, engaged couple.
She came back in and said she actually felt better, that at least the pressure was gone, but still isn't feeling all that well. I'll be working from home tomorrow to help out with Emma and cater to Al's every need. After this weekend, I have acquired more respect for her (on top of the great respect I had for her before this weekend). She helped out a ton cleaning the house, and as I took care of Emma, I realized how draining (and rewarding) it is to be a full-time parent. Women amaze me, and Allison amazes me everyday with her strength. Way to go, Allison, and way to go all mommies out there. Your job is so important, and y'all are doing great jobs!
Well, the sign is finally up in the front yard! We signed the "agreement to buy" another house on Monday, and just got the flyers and sign ready to go. We're having our first open house this weekend, so we have a ton of cleaning and organizing to do, as well as a few "fixer-upper" projects.
No worries, though. Oddly enough, we'll (hopefully!) only be moving about 1 block away from where we are now. The house is a lot bigger, and we're getting a good deal on it. We're buying it from some friends of ours that are moving to tree-hugger-ville.
We're hoping to sell our house pretty quickly (closing within 30-45 days), so if you know anyone looking for a 1600 square foot house in the bustling metropolis of Johnson, send them our way!
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Published by John Nelson
on March 02, 2005 at 9:30 PM.
No worries, though. Oddly enough, we'll (hopefully!) only be moving about 1 block away from where we are now. The house is a lot bigger, and we're getting a good deal on it. We're buying it from some friends of ours that are moving to tree-hugger-ville.
We're hoping to sell our house pretty quickly (closing within 30-45 days), so if you know anyone looking for a 1600 square foot house in the bustling metropolis of Johnson, send them our way!
